Grads embark on new journey

From Kendrew Morales Abueg to Christopher Gregory Zuzow, 162 students graduated Saturday morning from St. Francis High School in La Cañada.

Hundreds of family members and friends gathered around the statue of St. Francis of Assisi to watch their sons, brothers, nephews and friends take the big step.

"Thank you for coming to the conclusion of our journey through high school and witnessing our first step into our bright future," senior class president Michael Picardal said in his welcome speech.

The Class of 2010 was the 61st group of young men to make a stop at St. Francis on their journey through life, but there was something that set them apart from the 60 other classes who came before them: This was the first graduating class to have all 16 Franciscan values instilled in them through their curriculum.

Father Antonio Marti prayed that the graduates would be equipped with the strength to face their future challenges after all they had learned in high school.

Valedictorian James Krasner said his time at St. Francis had changed him.

"I came here with one idea of myself, and suffice to say, I leave with quite a different one," Krasner said. "I am now more motivated than ever to achieve my goals in life."

Krasner stressed what a blessing they had received in their education.

He said he will not only remember the academic lessons, but the religious ones he learned at St. Francis.

Principal Thomas Moran addressed the graduates, urging them to treat their life as a pilgrimage. He also asked himself which of them would go on to become the next St. Francis.

"Next year, we will all be spread across the world, doing very different things, but I hope you remember the school that connected so many different people," Krasner said. "I know I will."